Chapter III
Pride, Loyalty, and Party Night
It was odd.
Even for him.
Why would Gérémi bother to help Allan if he had problems with the mission he assigned to him?
Maybe he changed.
All these years living in an old folks' home has made him to age and to meditate. His blond hair was turning into white, and he no longer had his reminiscent-of-a-shark quiff. His eyebrows were getting populated and greyish, his skin was turning into a pale colour, like the one he had in his childhood, while he was being beaten up by his sisters, and wrinkles were appearing in his body.
Then, suddenly, a memory appeared in his mind.
Bonilla met Allan when the latter was young. He escaped from home because "he was already in enough trouble", and due to being an only-child, he had no one to blame.
The then young boy was forced to help his mother every day with the house chores. At first, he accepted it, because he was told that was going to help him sometime in the future. When the rest of the children of the block figured out he was helping her with that, they started to make fun of him, calling him names like "Mama's boy" or "female boy" or even painting him with make-up while he was sleeping. His mother always comforted him, and promised not to tell a word to his step-father. The last thing she wanted was her son being beaten and humiliated by him.
Not even a year passed after those kids started to bull him.
That day, one of his bullies called him "Mama's boy" just to tease him. After hearing it, Allan decided it was enough, and followed his step-father's advice. The first thing he did was beating the other kid down. Everybody at the streets was watching how the young Thompson managed to blow the other boy's teeth with his bare hands.
Bonilla and a few of his contacts were passing by that street, and the crowd stole his attention. The group approached, and what they saw was... amazing, or at least for them. He sent his men to stop the fight, and to investigate the "little warrior". According to him, he had "the enough justification to be one of them, and if he saw him in private, he'd make him an offer not even a child could turn down".
That night, Allan he decided it was enough. After the fight, everybody was watching the boy with a disgusting look, and that was very intimidating.
Without leaving a letter or a note, Allan took his things and ran away to the boats, thinking he'd be able to sneak in one of those ships and start a new life wherever he was going to end.
Then, he was stopped by Gérémi himself.
The boy was scared enough to decide to go back home.
Bonilla told him he saw his talent, and wanted him to leave that embarrassing life and start a new one with him. He also offered him a lot of stuff a child couldn't resist to either see or have. The young Thompson was left thinking, because, if he accepted, that meant he'd never see his mother again. If he denied it, it was probable he'd end either "sleeping with the fishes" or grounded for life because of the magnitude of what he did.
He accepted it, and Bonilla took him under his wing and accepted Allan as his son.
That night, they left to Flanders, where the HQ of the then "Sons of Agora" was before moving to Paris.
The now old gangster admitted he repeated the same the original boss of that group did to him: accepting him as a son, and not as a valuable employee. Gérémi also thought he might have developed a "special liking" to Allan, as he remembers he saw him growing up, from being his delivery boy to international spy, undercover agent, and trafficker.
It's true. He said in his mind. From all the people who have worked for me, Allan's the only one who remained loyal. Ben Salaad couldn't handle two identities at the same time, Colonel Sponsz was just a big baby who couldn't manage his agenda very well, that Fronsac idiot was being controlled by his fanboyism, Adolfo whatever-his-last-name-is was his wife's dummy, and Rastapopolous was manipulated by the money. That boy persevered, and even reduced himself because he didn't want either Roberto or Salaad to figure out I sent him because I wanted him to keep an eye on them. He also did little stuff on his own, and I admit, he's pretty smart.
Bonilla then smiled and left the place.
-xxx-
The night of the party has finally arrived.
The people who were invited to the event were arriving one by one to the DiLeo's Manor. The owner's butler, Sylvester, was receiving them. He, unlike Nestor, bothered to show at least a smile to strangers. He looked in his mid-50s; his hair was greying and had a goatee with the same colour tone. He was dressed in dark-grey attire, with black, shiny shoes.
-Hope you enjoy the party!- He greeted to the ones who were getting in the house.
The room where the event was being held was painted in white. It was full of Greek and Roman statues. Some of them were original, and others were reproductions. Tintin, the Captain, Snowy, Sakharine, who was now using a cane, his daughters, and wife have just arrived.
Mr. and Mrs. Sakharine went to a table and stood there, while the rest were meeting new people.
Tintin and Captain Haddock went directly to get some fruit punch.
-Don't you think it's odd I get invited to the party of somebody I don't know?- Tintin asked
-It's a little suspicious, boy.- The Captain replied.- I just want to think the Italian's just one more fan of yours.-
-But what if that's not the real reason he invited me? I know there's something more.-
-Like what?-
-Oh, Mon dieu!- A female voice said out of nowhere as Haddock then spit his drink.- I cannot believe you're here!-
Bianca Castafiore, indeed.
-Signora?- Tintin asked.- It's a surprise for us to see you here.-
-Oh, I know, my dear Tantan.- She said as she kissed him in his cheeks.- At first I thought I was seeing things because I changed my plans on not to visit my dear Captain Hamlet because of this party.- She continued.- You might know Mr. DiLeo. He likes to hear my singing, and I wanted to prepare him something very special, from the heart.-
-That if you have one.- Captain Haddock said in his breath
-Oh, you're so silly, Captain Pollock!- Bianca said as she bear-hugged him.- You and your sailor jokes!- she laughed.- I got to go. I need to make one more practice with Igor.- said as she was leaving.- See you later!-
-At least she's gone for a while.- The Captain said.
-Give her an opportunity, Captain.- Tintin said.- You don't know if she's your "other half".-
-Stop making fun of me, boy!.- The Captain said as he figured out Tintin's joke.- She's the other half of nobody!-
Tintin then laughed.
-Excuse me.- A British man asked as he approached the group with another man.- Are you Tintin, the reporter everybody's talking about?-
-Yes, yes I am.- Tintin replied.
The black-haired British smiled and saluted him.
-My name's Dan Rawlins.- He said as he extended his hand.- And he's my assistant, Lloyd Williams. And we are the "Ying-Yang Boys".-
-An honour to meet you.- Lloyd said, ignoring the last thing his friend said.
-It's also a pleasure to meet you, too.- Tintin said as he shook Rawlins' hand.- Have I heard from you before?- asked with a curious expression.
-Oh, yes.- Rawlins replied.- I'm... well... I used to be Mr. Van Kieckens' lawyer. I'm the one who sent you a great part of what he left you.- He continued.- But there's something I want to know, do Remy and you had something in common?-
-Well...- Tintin said.- We were close friends. He helped me to complete a few articles some time ago.-
-Ah, I see.- Dan replied.- But still, it's an honour to meet a celebrity. If you could excuse me, I need to go back with my wife. Tarah!- said as he and Lloyd left.
The reporter and the old sailor were watching them with a weird look.
-What kind of ridiculous name is "Ying-Yang Boys"?- The Captain asked
-Let them be, Captain.- Tintin said.- The name fits them well. They were dressed in a fashion similar to that symbol.-
-I just hope that Dan guy's not a "British Joylon Wagg".- Haddock said.- The more closer he is, the more annoying he gets.-
Meanwhile, Sakharine and his wife, Annia, who was reading a book, were just sitting on the table they reserved for the group. Ivan watched how Anastasia was interacting with a lot of people, females especially, and how Bonnelyn was talking with Dan Rawlins, who happened to be her husband. All the invited people were interacting with each other. Then, he sighed, with a sad-tired expression. His wife saw him, and wondered what the problem was.
-Ivan, are you alright?- she asked as she closed and left her book.
-I'm not sure.- he replied.- I think Dmitri's hiding something.-
-What makes you think that?-
-I invited him to the party, and he declined the invitation.- He continued.- Dmitri said he had better things to do, like pending business with a certain somebody and wanted to finish it quickly before it's too late.-
-It sounds a little suspicious.- She said.- What if he's working on some sculpture or painting and the due date is tonight? As I can recall, he has part of his work in a few museums.-
-I think you're right, my love.- Sakharine said.- Just because I miss his company, I think I might just be exaggerating the things.- said with a relieved tone.- For a moment I thought he might have been plotting on killing somebody. I don't know what I am thinking.-
-Just relax and we'll visit him tomorrow.- Annia suggested.- I promise you'll see he was just finishing a masterpiece.-
- Buon giorno! How's one of my dearest friends?- an old man approached Mr. Sakharine.
-Luciano! It's been a long time!- Mr. Sakharine greeted Mr. DiLeo
Both men then hugged.
-I still cannot believe you're here.- Luciano said.- The last time I saw you was two years ago, when you decided to leave.-
-Past is past, DiLeo.- Mr. Sakharine said.- Annia and I are reconciled, and there's nothing that can separate us again.-
-I understand.- the white-haired man said as he let a friendly laugh and sat.- How are your kids doing?-
-They're fine, and I still cannot believe the three are no longer living with us. Letting them go was one of the things I couldn't stand.-
The three laugh.
-You know that needs to happen. They need to make their lives and family.-
-Says the one who never had children on his own.- Annia said
-Hey, hey.- Luciano said with a smile.- Adopting still counts as raising children.- then he sees his clock.- Look at the time, I need to tell Sylvester to serve the food and I need to give my speech. Not every rich man achieves to be alive at this age.- he laughs and leaves.
Like a half-an-hour later, the food got served after Mr. DiLeo gave his gratitude speech. Everybody started to eat. The banquet consisted of the finest meats, breads, wine, water, and other fancy beverages. The entertaining was sublime for the people who love to hear opera. Bianca Castafiore was singing a new piece. It was that soul-touching it made Mr. DiLeo and others to cry of happiness.
A few minutes later, Sylvester approached Mr. DiLeo, who was still cheering the Nightingale. He had a worried-like expression.
-Sylvester, is something wrong?- he asked
-Sir, Becca and I ran out of the important ingredients for the dessert. And I need to go to the store to get more.-
-Well then go quickly. The store closes in half-an-hour.-
-Thank you, sir.-
And then, Sylvester left.
A few minutes passed, and the people started to interact again. Because of his personal interest, Mr. Rawlins went to where Tintin was, and started to talk with him.
Whatever they were talking about seemed to be interesting, as the lad had a smile on his face. Both men were keeping their communication.
But suddenly, Tintin's smile faded away from his face, and got angered.
-I cannot believe you just said that!- The lad said angrily.- You knew that kind of comments are very offensive to where I come from?-
The rest of the guests turned their face to where Tintin and Dan were.
-Look, I didn't know...- Mr. Rawlins tried to apologize
-You're a lawyer and you're supposed to know that!- The lad continued.- This conversation is over!-
And left with his anger to the table where the rest of the group was sitting.
-Mr. Rawlins.- Lloyd said while approaching.- I received a note from Mr. DiLeo's guard.- said as he gave it to him.
-Lloyd, please, call me Dan.- said as he took the note and started to read it.- We need to go.-
-Are you sure?-
-As sure as gold. Come on.-
Then, the British duo left.
Meanwhile, where Tintin and the others were, the Captain felt there was a higher level of anger inside the lad, and wanted to know why. He was worried, because this was not him.
-Lad, is everything all right?- Haddock asked.
-Mr. Rawlins offended me.- Tintin replied, trying to calm himself down.
-May I know what he said?- Mr. Sakharine asked.- It might be a little mistake.-
Tintin then, told what the British lawyer said.
.
.
And Mr. Sakharine's expression was one full with disgusting, anger, and surprise, while the others' were just clueless, as they didn't know the meaning of it.
-If he said that in Brussels, he might have ended executed by the police, as that's considered severe enough, almost as worse as murdering.- Mr. Sakharine said
-I don't get it, dad.- Bonnelyn said.- What does that mean?-
-Sweetie...- Ivan said.-... even if you're married and mature, I think you're still young to know the meaning of that.- said with a worried and scared-like voice.
-Your father's right.- Annia said to her daughter.- I think it's better to forget that little scene and enjoy the moment.-
-I need some fresh air.- Tintin said and left.
Snowy wanted to follow him, but soon, was stopped by Captain Haddock.
-Leave him, Snowy.- The Captain said.- He wants to be alone.-
An hour passed, and there was no sign of Sylvester, the Ying-Yang Boys, and Tintin.
Where's Tintin? Snowy wondered. I miss him.
Sylvester then arrived. His pants had blood stains, and, because of the colour of his attire, nobody noted it. He went directly to the kitchen to start to prepare the dessert.
The party finally met its end an hour later, and one-by-one the guests were leaving. Mr. DiLeo appeared to know about the comment made by Dan Rawlins, and was aware of the "offensive content it had". He just hoped nobody managed to know about that, as it was going to end the lawyer's reputation and career.
-I'm sorry about what happened earlier.- Said Mr. DiLeo to the group.- I just hope Tintin understands it was not Mr. Rawlins' intention to offend him, I also hope he manages to get rid of his anger before it's too late.-
-I'll try to talk with Tintin when I see him, Mr. DiLeo.- Haddock said.
-Thanks for all, Luciano.- Mr. Sakharine said.
-Anytime, my friend.- He replied with a smile.- Anytime.-
Then, the group left.
Captain Haddock was worrying each second. A list of possible things Tintin might have done appeared on his mind. His heart was beating, as he feared the worst. Then, he saw him contemplating a lake with the reflection of the full moon. The lad seemed very calmed, like if he cried while he was absent from the party, because his face was a little reddish.
The old sailor approached him and wanted to talk with him.
-Lad...- the Captain said.
-I know I did wrong to snap to Mr. Rawlins, Captain.- Tintin replied with a now calmed voice.- I just... don't know what happened to me.-
-It's okay, lad.- The Captain said relieved.- I just hope this does not repeat again.- said as Snowy approached Tintin.
-I promise it won't-Tintin said with a smile as he was hugging Snowy.- Tomorrow, I'll search him and I'll apologize.-
-Good. Now, let's go to the Manor. The Sakharines are waiting us.-
Both men and dog went to where the Sakharines were, and finally went directly to the Manor.
They were contemplating the night. Bonnelyn was getting worried, because she couldn't say goodbye to her husband. Her father felt her worrying, and tried to hug her.
-He might be waiting us in the Manor. Remember your stuff is still there.- her father said with a comforting smile.
She then showed a little smile.
And then, police cars with their sirens on passed by at a high speed.
Because of his instinct, Tintin left the group and followed the cars.
-Lad! What are you doing!- The Captain exclaimed, but it appears Tintin already left that street.
The group then followed him.
Tintin continued running until the cars finally stopped.
The street where he was had almost no lights, meaning it was the perfect place to murder somebody. There were a few scared people around, being calmed down by the police.
-That one's also dead?- One of the officers asked.
-I'm afraid he is.- another one answered.
-The Chief won't like this.- one said.
Tintin managed to get a better view, and he looked very shocked when he recognized the murdered men: Dan Rawlins and Lloyd Williams.
-xxx-
A/N: I hope you liked this. I'm doing my best to make this fanfic more epic than "The Circle of Paris".
If there's something OOC, please tell me so I can fix it!
Please READ AND REVIEW! That motivates me to write the next chapter!